Tonometer Instructions

The instruction manual that comes with the iCare Tonometer says that a tonometer is used "for the measurement of intraocular pressure in the human eye." There is a probe that typically has an end attached to a resilient member, and this decreases in volume as it comes within a closer range of the eye. If the volume decreases, then there is more pressure within the eye. There is a liquid within the tonometer that alters according to the intraocular pressure, signifying whether it is at a safe level.

• 1

  Place the tonometer in the position you will be using it. Make sure you hold it correctly. Your thumb should be on the side facing you, with your index, middle and fourth fingers on the outside.

• 2

  Press the stop button. While doing so, switch the position of the tonometer so the tip is facing upward. After a few seconds, turn the tonometer so the tip is facing downward while continuing to press the stop button.

• 3

  Release the stop button. Make sure there is nothing projecting in the tip area.

• 4

  Turn on the tonometer by pressing the operation button. There should be four zeros displayed. This should be followed by a short sound. If the zeros are flashing, then the tonometer is not in the correct position.

• 5

  Listen to the frequency of the sounds the tonometer emits. If the frequency sounds sharp or flat, then you know it is not centered. The tonometer must be in the vertical position to give the most accurate measurement.

• 6

  Place the patient's head horizontally. Pull up his brow slightly to stretch the skin and place the side of your hand on his forehead. Make sure you aren't stretching the skin too much and are not touching the eyeball.

• 7

  Place the tonometer vertically across the patient's eyelid. The two prongs should be aligned with the eyelashes. Lower the tonometer onto the top of the eyelid rather than directly on top of the eye.

• 8

  Press the tonometer down until a short sound signal is heard. Once you have done that, there will be a number shown on the display. Repeat the process six times --- pressing down on the eyelid --- with no more than a 30-second interval.

• 9

  Listen for the two sound signals. This means that the tonometer has finished measuring. To get the intraocular value, press the operation value. The number that is displayed on the tonometer will be the intraocular pressure reading. If the display is flickering, then you must start again.